Immunonephelometry of apolipoprotein B with a centrifugal analyzer.

We developed an automated immunonephelometric assay for the measurement of apolipoprotein B (apo B) with a light-scattering microcentrifugal analyzer. Pretreating specimens with a dilute solution of Tween 20 or triglyceride lipase decreased the nephelometric response of apo B. Polyethylene glycol is included in the reaction mixture, and the reaction is complete within 4 min. The method is precise (CV = 6.5%, mean = 0.68 g/L) and the standard curve is linear to an apo B concentration of 2.8 g/L. Lipemia does not interfere with the method if grossly lipemic specimens are centrifuged to remove chylomicrons.